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Allocations and Verifications Officer - Housing

BBS Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency for transport and logistics sector, supplying to a variety of clients across UK.

We are currently recruiting an Allocations and Verifications Officer - Housing for our client based in Lambeth.

Responsibilities for Allocations and Verifications Officer:

• Provide a high-quality, customer-focused and responsive housing allocation service to Lambeth tenants, residents and applicants seeking social housing or transfers.
• Process and assess housing applications efficiently and accurately, ensuring applications are dealt with in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme, relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Allocate Council properties and make nominations to Housing Associations, Housing Co-operatives and other registered housing providers, ensuring that available social housing is used effectively to meet housing need.
• Advertise available properties through the choice-based lettings scheme and accurately shortlist prospective tenants by matching applicants’ housing needs, priority and qualification criteria against available properties.
• Make direct offers of accommodation where appropriate and ensure all offers and allocations are made fairly, consistently and in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme.
• Provide clear and timely advice to applicants regarding their housing application, eligibility, priority, housing options and the allocation process.
• Support applicants to access appropriate mobility schemes and other housing options where applicable.
• Undertake detailed and thorough verification checks on housing applications, ensuring applicants meet the relevant eligibility and qualification criteria.
• Investigate applicants’ circumstances and supporting evidence, including conducting home visits where necessary, to verify household composition, residency, housing circumstances and other relevant information.
• Identify discrepancies, inconsistencies or potential misrepresentation and undertake appropriate further enquiries to establish the facts before making or recommending decisions.
• Approve, amend, suspend or remove housing applications from the housing register where appropriate and in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and delegated authority.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of applications, verification checks, investigations, decisions and correspondence on the Council's housing systems.
• Maintain a detailed and current understanding of Lambeth's Housing Allocation Scheme and ensure decisions and actions are consistent with the scheme and associated policies and procedures.
• Work closely with housing providers, including ALMOs, Registered Social Landlords, Housing Associations and Housing Co-operatives, developing effective day-to-day working relationships.
• Monitor the performance of housing providers and work collaboratively to ensure the most effective use of social rented housing stock within the borough.
• Liaise with housing providers to facilitate the timely allocation and letting of properties and minimise delays and void periods.
• Resolve allocation and verification issues promptly and professionally, escalating complex matters where appropriate.
• Provide timely and accurate management information, data and reports relating to housing applications, allocations, nominations, verification activity and the supply and use of social housing stock.
• Monitor performance against service standards, targets and key performance indicators and contribute to identifying opportunities for service improvement.
• Analyse allocation and housing supply data to identify trends, risks and areas requiring further investigation or management action.
• Work closely with colleagues across Housing and other Council directorates whose services have a direct influence on housing allocations and the operational delivery of services.
• Promote a joined-up approach to service delivery by working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners and other relevant agencies.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures, equality requirements, safeguarding principles, data protection and information governance standards.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information professionally and ensure customers are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.